GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 20th May: MR Srinivasan, a pioneering nuclear scientist and former chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 95. A recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, he was instrumental in the development of India’s nuclear energy programme, having overseen the creation of 18 nuclear power units.
Srinivasan began his illustrious career in September 1955 when he joined the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) under the leadership of Dr. Homi Bhabha. He played a crucial role in the construction of Apsara — India’s first nuclear research reactor — which achieved criticality in August 1956.
Throughout his career, Srinivasan held key leadership roles. He was appointed director of the power projects engineering division at DAE in 1974 and later became chairman of the Nuclear Power Board in 1984. During his tenure, he led the planning and implementation of over 100 nuclear power projects across India. He assumed the role of chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and secretary of the DAE in 1987.
His contributions left a lasting imprint on India’s atomic energy landscape.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed his condolences on social media platform X, calling Srinivasan’s demise “a significant loss for India’s scientific community.” He added, “The demise of Dr MR Srinivasan, a pioneering nuclear scientist and Padma Vibhushan recipient, marks a significant loss for India’s scientific community.”
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